Microbrouwerij Artevelde (BE)

Located on the 39th and 40th floors of Complexe Desjardins, a brutalist grouping of high-rises completed in 1976 in the heart of downtown Montréal, the financial institution’s executive floors have been updated and transformed into a quiet elegant atmosphere. Here, values of the member-owned “Mouvement Desjardins” cooperative, like solidarity, equality, and equity meet thoughtful design solutions. The Desjardins cooperative upholds the values of respect and social innovation. This project presented the challenge of reconciling modesty and sobriety with the image of a powerful financial institution. The interior design strikes a balance between these elements, while adding some poetic flair. To offer a gentle and inviting experience, the visitor’s steps are marked by cozy comfortable waiting areas, biophilia, and artwork. The resulting atmosphere is airy, elegant, and contemporary, yet sober. The 39th floor was reprogrammed around a central preserved core, to become a light-filled reception floor, welcoming dignitaries and Desjardins executives, and catering to them through an executive kitchen. The operation of a large financial cooperative is made possible thanks to multiple entertainment spaces, lounges, break-out rooms, and executive dining rooms that also function as conference rooms. On the 40th floor, direct access to natural light for all executive offices serves as a common thread, with quiet meeting areas juxtaposed at the outer corners of the building. Evoking the transition to a more flexible workplace, unassigned workstations have been installed, and offices are multifunctional, doubling as meeting rooms. Down a private corridor, the executive suite is conducive to carrying out business in a discreet confidential atmosphere. The user’s path is punctuated by plants and small islands of greenery alongside works of art from the Desjardins collection. Energy-efficient LED lighting highlights the wide variety of works in the collection, while emphasizing the architectural lines and interior pathways of the executive floors.